NY Legislature Passes Amendment to the Retail Worker Safety Act

On September 5, 2024, New York State’s Retail Worker Safety Act (“the act”) was signed into law. On February 7, 2025, the NY Legislature passed an amendment to the act. It is anticipated that the amendment will be signed into law.

**Update: The amendment was signed into law on February 14, 2025.

Changes as a result of the amendment:

• The effective date has been pushed back from March 4, 2025. The new effective date is June 2, 2025.
• The amendment revises the requirement for employers with 500 or more employees nationwide to provide panic buttons that alert law enforcement. The amended law now requires employers with 500 or more employees statewide to provide “silent response buttons” (SRBs) that alert internally to security officers, managers, or supervisors. This is still effective January 1, 2027.
• As an accommodation for smaller retail employers, those with fewer than 50 employees are required to provide training upon hire, and then every other year, instead of annually (as required for larger employers).

About the Retail Worker Safety Act

The act requires the New York Department of Labor and certain retail employers to implement programs and policies designed to prevent and respond to workplace violence.

As part of a broader workplace safety initiative, the new act aims to reduce violent incidents by equipping both employees and employers with the necessary tools and training to recognize, prevent, and manage potentially dangerous situations in the workplace.

Who is affected by the act?

• Employers with at least 10 retail employees, including businesses, corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and associations (excluding government entities).
• Retail employees working at stores that sell consumer goods, excluding establishments primarily engaged in selling food for on-site consumption.

These industries affected often face many high risks, such as interactions with upset customers, late working hours, handling valuable items, and potential conflicts with disgruntled employees—factors that can escalate into workplace violence quickly.

To comply with the new law, retail employers must implement:

1. Risk Assessments

Identify workplace factors that could contribute to violence, such as late-night shifts, cash handling, working alone, or working with limited security measures.

2. Site-Specific Evacuation Maps

Provide clear evacuation routes and designated meeting areas for emergencies.

3. Written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

Required for employers with more than 10 employees.

4. Employee Training

Mandatory training for all new hires and annual refreshers, covering:

• Recognizing early signs of aggression
• De-escalation techniques
• Active shooter drills and emergency procedures
• Use of silent response buttons (if applicable)
• Personal safety strategies during violent incidents

5. Employers with fewer than 50 retail employees

Now only need to provide workplace violence training to their retail employees upon hire, and then every other year, rather than annually.

6. Silent Response Alarms

Employers with over 500 employees statewide must provide silent response buttons by January 1, 2027.

7. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Implement a clear process for reporting and investigating workplace violence incidents to help identify patterns and prevent future risks.

8. Support for Affected Employees

Offer resources like counseling for employees that are impacted by workplace violence.

Why does all this matter?

Workplace violence not only threatens employee safety but also affects morale, employee retention, productivity, and an organization’s public image. This act promotes:

• Safer work environments
• Reduced frequency and severity of violent incidents
• Enhanced employee well-being

What does this mean for you?

This amendment gives you a few more months to ensure you have an effective policy to address the New York Retail Worker Safety Act. The June 2025 deadline is still less than four months away, so now is the time for employers to act to ensure compliance with this regulation.

How can Walden help?

The safety professionals at Walden are available to help your company create an initial written safety program, complete risk assessments, draw evacuation maps, and train your team. We can also conduct a gap analysis of your existing safety programs to ensure they are effective in protecting employees and reducing costs. If you need assistance, please contact Walden EHS Director, David Garner, at 203-710-4376 or dgarner@walden-associates.com for further support.